DARTMOOR LINE SERVICES RESUME AFTER 50 YEARS

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: november/december 2021 :: RMTnews 23 REOPENED: Okehampton railway station with passengers at buffet tables on the platform For the first time in nearly 50 years, regular passenger services will run on the Dartmoor Line, connecting Okehampton to Exeter. It marks the first reopening under the government’s Restoring Your Railway programme which is exploring ways to return old lines and stations to service across the country. The route will connect Exeter St Davids, Crediton and Okehampton providing a launchpad for visitors to explore Dartmoor and regional links for local commuters. Around half of services, including at peak times, will also carry on to Exeter Central. The reopening of the route is expected to boost local businesses, the tourism sector, and provide greater access to education and work for thousands of people who live locally. Exeter Labour council leader and former RMT regional organiser Phil Bialyk said that it was exactly the sort of investment required. “Cities like Exeter need first class transport links if we are to tackle climate change. “It will bring forward better green infrastructure to a great part of the world and improve prospects by bringing in more railway jobs,” he said. GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “Working with our partners at Network Rail and in the community we have long campaigned for the re-opening of this important local line, and we are really looking forward to being able to start running passenger trains again. “This is great news for communities surrounding Okehampton who will once again be connected to the national network. “The project to re-open the line is already helping to bring social and economic benefits to the local area reinforces the positive impact the railway can have on the communities we serve,” he said. Network Rail’s Western route and strategic operations director, Mike Gallop said: “We’re delighted that we’ve reopened this much needed railway line for passenger services in just nine months and ahead of schedule. “Our team has worked incredibly hard alongside our project partners GWR, Devon County Council, Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and the local community to ensure this railway is ready to open,” he said. Regular passenger services will run on the route for the first time since 1972 following years of campaigning by local supporters. Since 1997, the line has only been open during the summer. To make this possible, Network Rail’s team of engineers worked tirelessly to deliver a huge programme of work to physically reopen the line in just nine months, including laying 11 miles of new track and installing 24,000 concrete sleepers and 29,000 tonnes of ballast in record time. Repairs have also been made to 21 structures along the route including four bridges and a range of works including vegetation clearance, earth and drainage works and fencing are ongoing in preparation for the return of regular services. More work will be carried out over the winter including further work on the station buildings to enable the restoration of the café and other facilities. DARTMOOR LINE SERVICES RESUME AFTER 50 YEARS Line between Okehampton and Exeter reopens for year-round services this month